How much did long Covid really cost you? Email senior money reporter Alicia AdamczykPlease share your story.

Anne, a Boston-based nurse aged 61, is still not feeling the same after she contracted Covid-19 in 2020. To avoid getting tired, she must keep a detailed record of all the things she needs to complete each day. She is more stressed than ever and finds it difficult to focus for long periods.

Anne asked that her lastname be withheld in order to keep her private, and is now one of the estimated tens of millions of AmericansPost-acute Covid syndrome (or long Covid), is a condition commonly referred to as. This condition can be debilitating for patients and their families. Doctors and scientists continue to work tirelessly in search of treatments.

Patients are often not aware of the significant financial cost associated with months of visits to their doctors, prescriptions and procedures.

Anne, her husband, continued working throughout the illness. She was also the breadwinner and earned well over six figures, before she got Covid. Since July 2021, Anne has been on long-term disability and short-term leave. Recently, she was approved for Social Security Disability Insurance — long Covid was named a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act last year — which helps, she says.

Anne also lost over $100,000 overall According to CNBC Make It tax records, there was a significant increase in her income and retirement contributions over 2021 compared to 2020. In addition, she’s had to spend over $2,000 on out-of pocket expenses such as co-pays or prescriptions. She has also paid hundreds more for her health insurance coverage because she is long-term disabled.

Along with losing the majority of her income, Covid also took her sense of self. She says, “I’m grateful for financial support. However, it doesn’t mean that I can work anymore.” “I have never required help throughout my life and it’s difficult.”

She had hoped to retire a couple of years earlier than she did. Now, due to their financial hardship, both her and her husband will have to delay retirement.

We had a financial plan because we have one. She says that this was not in her plan. She said, “I had a lot of losses.”

Anne does not feel isolated by long Covid. Although state health departments and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention don’t keep track of cases, research has shown that 10% to 15% of those who have had Covid-19 symptoms also experience long Covid symptoms. This could translate to approximately over 11 million people. Andere estimates double that figure in the U.S. alone.

The condition is similar to Covid and can affect anyone, regardless of age, pre-existing or healthy, according to David Putrino (director, Rehabilitation Innovation at Mount Sinai Health System).

Patients may experience different symptoms depending on their condition. Some patients experience brain fog and fatigue for many months. They may also feel drained of energy or have their sense of smell and taste permanently affected. Heart palpitations and dizziness while standing can be signs of Covid.

There are many treatment options that can be used depending on what the patient is experiencing. Some cases may require the use of a combination of medications and surgery. Covid-19 vaccine appears to help alleviate symptoms.

Putrino states that it’s more than the medical costs and bills for patients. These symptoms may linger for a long time and can impact the ability of patients to perform their jobs well. as his research shows. 

Long Covid care can be a serious matter. Putrino states that the symptoms are severe and very concerning.

Other studies indicate that there are about 1.1million. Americans may not be working due to long Covid at any given time, contributing to the current labor shortage in the U.S. That doesn’t take into account those who have reduced their hours, gone part-time or taken a demotion — and likely a pay cut — because of their illness.

Anne’s inability to perform the same work tasks she used to do for years as a discharge nursing nurse (e.g. managing multiple cases at once) has been the hardest thing about the last 14 months. Although she tried to resume work last spring for part-time, her persistent symptoms have made it difficult for Anne to be productive and focused for the entire day. 

She said, “I couldn’t process information. It was distracting.” It was quite humiliating. “I had to basically tell people that I looked OK but was not okay.”

He says that it’s not only the individual cost of Long Covid to be considered but also the costs to the employer and other parties. As Claire Pomeroy explains, Long Covid is going to have a profound impact on worker’s comp, disability insurance, and health insurance. writes in Scientific American.

All of Todd’s productivity lost adds up. Add to that the millions of Americans living in America, and you can see how long Covid drains society. Todd and long-term Covid are the bearers of this burden. disrupt life as we know itFor years to follow.

Todd says, “All these doctor appointments, my insurance costs, my company’s cost, loss productivity.” One person can have a huge impact on many people.

In addition to the financial cost, managing the condition requires a lot of time. This includes arranging for medical treatment, dealing with insurance companies, applying and receiving disability benefits, as well as trying new treatments. Between fatigue, headaches, and other conditions, all of this must be managed. Patients feel more frustrated and worn out.

Anne states that Anne feels very blessed to have the health care she needs and has not been questioned. It’s not an easy job, but it is a hard one to improve.

Prices will vary depending on each patient’s symptoms, duration and severity, as well as the insurance and where they are being treated. how their jobs are affectedThere are many other factors. Some patients may owe only a few hundred dollars for medical expenses, while some others will be left with the entire amount. bills for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

This is all amplified in the U.S. 8.6% of the populationWithout health insurance coverage. They may choose to forgo the care that they require in order to avoid expensive medical bills. This could lead further complications with long-term Covid. Consider these factors low-income Americans were hit harderPutrino states that Covid-19 is more important than wealther Americans.

Putrino says that it is important for policymakers, employers, and health professionals to continue to treat the condition with seriousness. 

To help employees with long Covid, employers should work closely with them, so their work obligations are manageable. Todd said that Todd’s employer did this. Long Covid is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Employers are required to make every effort to create a work environment that allows employees with this condition to do their job.

Putrino explains, “What we must do is ensure that workplaces are understanding” and that people with disabilities can maintain their jobs.

Todd says he hopes everyone realizes the toll that the condition can take on those suffering from it — especially on those less fortunate than him, who do not have health insurance, or who work physically demanding jobs.

Todd states that if I had to work in warehouses and do any physical activity I would not be able to. It is life-altering.

Register now Get smarter about your money and career with our weekly newsletter

Don’t miss: Long Covid ‘is a very debilitating condition with serious cognitive conditions,’ says researcher behind new study